A Pilot Study of Tobacco Screening and Referral for Smoking Cessation Program among HIV-Infected Patients in France
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of tobacco smoking is high among patients living with HIV, supporting the need for effective
targeted interventions. Materials and Methods: All current smokers at our outpatient HIV clinic were invited to participate in a
smoking cessation program. Results: Of the 716 patients living with HIV, 280 (39%) reported active smoking and were younger,
more recently HIV infected and more frequently infected due to intravenous drug use (IDU). One hundred forty-seven (53%)
smokers agreed to participate in the smoking cessation program and had a higher Fagerstro¨m score and were less likely IDU.
During follow-up, 41 (28%) smokers withdrew from the program. After 6 months, 60 (57%) of the 106 smokers who completed
the intervention had stopped tobacco smoking and were more likely to use varenicline, adjusting for a history of depression.
Conclusion: Our smoking cessation program was feasible. However, strategies to reach and retain in smoking cessation
program specific groups such as IDU are needed to improve the smoking cessation cascade.